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Archive for 'August 2014'

Most people do not consume enough fatty fish containing long chain
omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 LCPUFAs). Consequently, our
intake of the ω-3 LCPUFAs - eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – is low. ω-3 LCPUFAs help reduce
production of triglycerides by the liver and increase triglyceride
clearance. Increasing ω-3 LCPUFA intake can also increase
HDL-cholesterol concentrations. Based on this evidence, the FDA
approved the use
of omega-3 LCPUFAs in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia.

Today, two studies that conducted clinical trials using food appeared
on my nutrition research radar: a study by Navarro and
co-workers looking at the effect of cruciferous vegetables on
markers of inflammation, and another by Pereira-Caro and
colleagues on the bioavailability of polyphenols from orange
juice. What do these types of studies tell us about health benefits of
foods and phytonutrients?

Krill oil has hit the Omega-3 supplement market as an alternative to
fish oil, touting claims of better absorption. But is it really true?
A recent re-examination of the evidence challenges these assumptions.

Hansen and
colleagues report on how parents’ perceptions of childhood
overweight have changed over 15 years. Comparing sampling periods from
1988-1994 with 2005-2010, the researchers found that the probability
that parents correctly identify their child as overweight decreased by
16% between the two study periods, with more parents thinking that
their overweight or obese child had a weight that was about right.
What is going on here?

Malnutrition can have long term effects on health and development,
especially when it occurs during the first thousand days of a child’s
life, from before conception to the age of two. From a nutrition
stand-point, the best outcomes for children occur when their mothers
are well-nourished from the pre-pregnancy period up until birth, and
they receive appropriate and adequate nutrition that is tied to their
age and development throughout infancy and childhood. Unfortunately,
this is not always possible. The prevalence of children who are
negatively affected by malnutrition is high in low- and middle-income,
and probably limits the health and cognitive ability of populations,
to the extent that overall national development is impaired. Can
micronutrient supplementation be helpful?

The television commercials of tanned, active young men and women
enjoying outdoors activities, especially the beach, effectively compel
us to warmer climates during the winter months. When skies are cloudy,
temperatures are cool, and conditions can be downright wet or cold,
people yearn to feel the sun warming their bodies. It feels good. It
is good because vitamin D supports bone and muscle health. Especially
important for teenagers.

The link between fish-based omega-3 fatty acids and heart health has
been recognized since the 1960’s. We now have recommendations from the
American
Heart Association (among others)
for intakes of omega-3 fatty acids which aim to support heart health.
But what’s a person to do if they don’t like fish? Or if you’re a
vegetarian? Are there other sources of EPA and DHA?

While the nutrient choline
is not considered a vitamin in the strictest sense, as it can be
synthesized by the body in limited amounts, it has nonetheless
garnered research interest as it participates in the same group of
biochemical reactions as B-vitamins such as folate and vitamin B12. In
particular, as Zeisel
explains, it may be especially important for expecting mothers and
their infants. Choline is required for normal fetal development and
the proper functioning of the liver and placenta.

When people think about vitamins and dietary supplementation, the
tendency is to think about prolonging life for older adults - reducing
risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease later in life. Vitamins are
also important to conceive and carry a baby to full term.

Everyone should have an annual physical assessment. In addition to
routine measurements (weight, height, blood pressure, reflexes,
prostate exam for men, breast examination for women), blood and
urinary samples are important tools to assess disease risk. Preventive
medicine should be more than disease assessment and subsequent
management. Maintaining healthy nutrition levels is important for longevity.

WebMD defines
antioxidants as ‘man-made or natural substances that may
prevent or delay some types of cell damage. Antioxidants are found
in many foods, including fruits and vegetables. They are also
available as dietary supplements.’ The antioxidant vitamins are:
C, A, E and β-carotene. Yesterday’s
blog shared CDC data reporting a marginal trending increase in
fruit consumption but no change in vegetable intake among
adolescents. What is the impact of not eating enough fruit, vegetables
and whole grains?

Epidemiologists slice and dice datasets trying to identify the single
most important health indicator. Teasing out the relative impact of
risk factors is difficult so keep in mind the words of Mark
Twain, “Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are pliable.” So
let’s look at the reports coming from one study.

Despite disturbing headlines about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ebola outbreak in West Africa, it is a slow news
day in nutrition science. None of the newly published research studies
are of particular relevance. So here is a walk through our archives
for the first Monday (week) of August in past years and peek into the future.